Rains Worrisome For Strays; Dogs And Cats Suffer From Skin Infections And Lack of Proper Shelter

Rains not just put on hold a lot of our work on hold, but affects the lives of stray animals too. With no shelter and limited food, many animals in the open suffer during from various problems. Skin infections and maggots also add on to the trouble. Talking about the condition of strays during monsoon, a city-based NGO said that this year since the onset of rains, they have received more than 70 rescues with regard to strays.

Aditi Nair, founder of Pet Owners and Animal Lovers (PAL) told The Times of India, "Since strays do not have a shelter or a place to stay dry, they are wet for long durations during the rains. Also, as their fur does not get dry fast they suffer from fungal growth in the skin and at times even puss if formed. In the past few days, we have received over 70 calls from animal lovers out of which 50 were regarding strays. During this season it takes twice the time for the wounds to heal."

Dr Hemant Thange, a city-based veterinarian said that the condition of stray animals is worst during the rains. They cannot keep themselves clean and hence maggots growing on their skin eat the flesh causing wounds. Boils, itching and fungal infection make the problem worse.

Dr Thange was quoted saying, "If one comes across a dog suffering from an allergy or a skin infection they could clean the wound and apply any cream on it. They can themselves do the dressing or take them to a vet. It is important to know the cause of the infection as it even could be an allergy."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2018 10:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).